A chance encounter on the set of The Two Towers left one of the most memorable shots from The Lord of the Rings films on the screen.
Today, more than 20 years after its premiere, The two Towersthe second film in the trilogy The Lord of the rings directed by Peter JacksonIt remains a spectacular cinematographic reference thanks to its production designs and special effects. One of the most epic moments in the film, and surely in film history, is the Battle of Helm’s Deep, in which the Uruk-hai army besieges the Hornburg fortress and faces the men of King Theoden of Rohan. . This scene, full of brilliant moments, some resolved with more ingenuity than techniquepresents a particularly notable detail: the characterization of a warrior with a real eye injury instead of resorting to digital effects or makeup to wow viewers.
A real eye injury in Cuernavilla
Wayne Phillips, an extra who participated in the film, became a focal point of this unique moment of filming. In the Battle of Helm’s Deep, Phillips played a Rohan soldier who, authentically, only had one eye. This detail was not the work of CGI magic, but a genuine feature of Phillips, who wore an eyepatch on set to cover his missing eye. The idea to highlight this particularity came from the director himself, Peter Jackson, who upon learning of Phillips’ injury, asked to see what was under the patch. He subsequently invited Phillips to appear in the film without the eyepatch, offering her a unique opportunity to portray his condition on screen.
Initially, Phillips was reluctant and self-critical, something understandable in someone who faces such an important physical condition. However, after accepting the proposal, he stated that the experience had made him feel more comfortable with his condition. This act of inclusion not only added authenticity to the film. The collaboration between Wayne Phillips and Peter Jackson was not limited to The Two Towers. Phillips also worked on other films by the New Zealand director, such as The Lovely Bonesthe film adaptations of The Hobbit and Mortal Engines. A curious link that highlights the respect and consideration that Jackson has for his collaborators.
Returning to The Two Towers, it is important to highlight its impact both at the box office and with critics. The film was financed and distributed by the American studio New Line Cinema, but filmed and edited entirely in New Zealand, Jackson’s native country. Released in December 2002, the film was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, who considered it a milestone in the film industry and an achievement in the fantasy genre. In addition to its masterful direction and action sequences, the film received praise for its visual effects, especially for the representation of Golluma computer-generated character who stood out for his realism and expressiveness.
In 3Dgames | It is 20 years old and is the only Lord of the Rings RPG that exists, but The Third Age is also a difficult game that few complete without cheats and in record time
In 3Dgames | Frodo lives! The Lord of the Rings is not only a fantasy novel, it is also a political manifesto with opposing interpretations
In 3Dgames | The first Lord of the Rings film was filmed in Cuenca, it was almost directed by Kubrick, and like Peter Jackson’s trilogy it was a technological marvel
